Microstructural and solidification cracking evaluation of electron beam welds in 304L

摘要

Weld hot cracking of stainless steels is a major materials-related problem in the welding industry. This present investigation evaluates the crack susceptibility of highly-constrained EB welds made in materials whose DeLong ferrite potentials range from zero to nine FN. In addition, the effect of piece part strength level on cracking is examined. This study has revealed that these deep penetration EB welds have regions that solidify as primary austenite, even when the DeLong ferrite potential is as high as 9 FN. This points out the critical role that solidification rate plays in the crack susceptibility of these highly restrained welds. In addition, 0 FN to 0 FN welds had primarily transverse cracks while 6 FN to 0 FN welds had primarily centerline cracks. Of particular interest is the observation that cracks still occur if a high ferrite (greater than 6 FN) component is welded to a zero FN component. Cracking is always associated with regions which solidify as primary austenite and these cracks occur because there are areas in the weld which do not mix. Thus it is not a recommended production practice to compensate for low ferrite in one piece part with high ferrite in its mate. Finally, it is shown that a DeLong FN threshold of 4 to prevent cracking in EB welds in not valid. 21 refs., 16 figs.